What is the difference between cordless and corded headphones?

Cordless headphones

Cordless headphones have two main advantages over corded such as no trailing wires and, instead of plugging into the headphone socket, they can be used with the audio sockets at the back of your TV or stereo. This prevents the loudspeaker on your TV or stereo from cutting out, so you can sit back, relax and listen through your headphones knowing that others around you can listen too. Cordless headphone systems all have two parts; the headphones that you wear and a transmitter base unit that doubles up as the charger for the batteries that power the headphones. A lead connects the transmitter to the audio socket at the back of the TV or stereo.

Corded headphones

Corded headphones are connected to your TV or stereo by a long cable. They typically only work when plugged into the headphone socket, but you’ll probably find that they will cut out the loudspeaker on your TV or stereo. If you try plugging into the audio sockets on the back of the TV or stereo, the headphones may not work as these connections are not powerful enough to drive the headphones directly. So corded headphones are ideal if you are listening on your own.

What range do cordless headphones normally have in a typical house?

There are two types of cordless headphone, infrared and radio, and their typical operating ranges are very different.

Infrared cordless headphones rely upon being in line of sight with their base transmitter. Because of this they will only usually work in one room and, even then, only if nothing gets between the headphones and the base unit.

Radio transmission cordless headphones use radio waves and their range is much larger. Manufacturers state maximum ranges of around 100m for most models but this is measured in ideal conditions without any walls or other obstacles reducing the strength of the signal. However, in most small or medium-sized homes you are likely to get good reception throughout the house and possibly even in the garden as well.

What other products might I be able to use to help me hear the TV or stereo better?

For general advice on the wide range of products available which may help you hear conversations, music or the TV better go to our factsheet on listening equipment to help you in everyday situations .